In our complex global environment, we will all find ourselves facing ethical dilemmas. What to do? Follow the crowd? Find a way to defend the indefensible? Or speak out? My characters Logan and Cade exemplify young people who are vocal against hate, intolerance, and racism. My novel is a work of fiction, but it is rooted in today’s society.

For students, speaking out against any injustice, especially when adults are involved, can be a formidable task. But it’s critical, life-changing, and perhaps even life-saving.

Here is what I hope you, dear reader, know: in darkness, be the light. Let yours be one that illuminates the world, guided by an unwavering moral compass, courage, compassion, and love. Make your home, your school, your community a place where humanKIND is welcome.

Stay strong,

Liza

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you. These simple words fail to convey the impact and depth of my gratitude to the people who have been a part of this novel’s journey to publication. Friendship, kindness, patience, faith, empathy, knowledge, wisdom, constructive criticism, and love were key elements that enabled me to complete this work. I am humbled by your generosity. It is my hope to pay it forward. If I inadvertently forgot to include you in these acknowledgments, I ask for your forgiveness.

For me, there is no other explanation for how I came to write this novel than Divine Providence, so thank you, God. The extraordinary series of events that led to meeting Archer Shurtliff and Jordan April began on July 25, 2016. High school librarian Wendy Scalfaro messaged me on Facebook, asking if I would be interested in speaking at her school. That April 2017 trip to New York changed my life. If you’re interested in the full story, please visit lizawiemer.com.

Archer and Jordan, thank you for speaking out and for being my inspiration. No matter where you are or what you do, I know you’ll continue to have a positive impact.

My agent, Steven Chudney, thank you for discussing the manuscript with Ralph, for changing my life with your yes, and for being such a positive, supportive force. It’s an honor to be a ChudMate. I couldn’t have a better mensch in my corner.

I am grateful to Beverly Horowitz, my editor, for her insight, guidance, vision, unwavering faith in me, and most of all for being this novel’s champion. It’s a privilege to work with someone so exceptional, passionate, and dedicated. Rebecca Gudelis: I only know a fraction of all you do, but it’s obvious to me that you’re a Wonder Woman. Thank you for your support. To my talented and dedicated Delacorte team: Shameiza Ally, Cathy Bobak, Angela Carlino, Lili Feinberg, Colleen Fellingham, Marlene Glazer, Imani Morris, Josh Redlich, and Tamar Schwartz. Jen Strada, thank you for the A+ job on this “assignment.”